A 43-Year-Old Man Successfully Treats H. pylori Infection with a 14-Day Medication Regimen

Summary: This case study follows a 43-year-old male patient who was admitted to the hospital due to upper abdominal pain, dry mouth, and bitter taste lasting for one week. After undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy, he was diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. A treatment plan including gastric mucosal protection, anti-inflammatory medication, regulation of gastrointestinal function, and targeted H. pylori eradication therapy was implemented over 14 days. The patient's symptoms completely resolved, and follow-up tests confirmed that the H. pylori infection had turned negative. No recurrence was observed during a follow-up visit two months later.

Patient Profile:
- Age: 43
- Gender: Male
- Diagnosis: Helicobacter pylori infection
- Hospital: First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University
- Treatment Period: August 2021
- Treatment Plan: Oral medications (Almagate suspension, colloidal bismuth pectin capsules, ulcer-soothing capsules) combined with intravenous therapy (ampicillin sodium, tinidazole sodium chloride injection, pantoprazole sodium for injection)
- Recovery Outcome: Complete resolution of abdominal pain, dry mouth, and bitter taste; successful eradication of H. pylori confirmed by follow-up testing

1. Initial Consultation
The patient, a 43-year-old man, had a history of chronic gastritis for over 10 years. He denied any history of drug or food allergies, trauma, surgery, exposure to epidemic areas, or infectious diseases such as hepatitis or tuberculosis. One week prior to admission, he began experiencing unexplained dry mouth, bitter taste, and upper abdominal pain without associated symptoms like bloating, acid reflux, nausea, or vomiting. His appetite, sleep, and bowel movements remained normal, with no significant weight changes. Upon physical examination, his vital signs were stable, and he was alert and cooperative. Gastroscopy revealed antral ulcer (Stage A1), chronic non-atrophic gastritis, duodenal bulb inflammation, and tested positive for H. pylori. Based on these findings, he was hospitalized primarily for H. pylori infection with gastric ulcer.

2. Treatment Process
After confirming the diagnosis, the medical team discussed the condition with the patient. Given the presence of H. pylori infection along with chronic gastritis and duodenal inflammation, a comprehensive treatment approach was initiated. The patient agreed to proceed after being informed about potential side effects and necessary precautions. Oral therapy included Almagate suspension to neutralize stomach acid, colloidal bismuth pectin capsules to treat the ulcer, and ulcer-soothing capsules to regulate digestion and relieve discomfort. Additionally, intravenous treatments included ampicillin sodium and tinidazole sodium chloride injection for bacterial eradication, and pantoprazole sodium to suppress acid production. The patient was advised to maintain a light, easily digestible diet throughout the treatment period.

3. Treatment Outcomes
Following 14 days of medication, the patient experienced significant improvement. His upper abdominal pain subsided, and symptoms of dry mouth and bitter taste disappeared entirely. He reported no other discomfort, slept well, maintained regular eating habits, and had normal bowel movements. Follow-up testing showed that H. pylori had been successfully eradicated, and he was discharged from the hospital. He was instructed to continue healthy lifestyle practices to prevent recurrence. Two months later, during a follow-up visit, there were no signs of reinfection or symptom relapse.

4. Key Post-Treatment Recommendations
To help the patient maintain long-term health and reduce the risk of reinfection, the following recommendations were provided:
- Adopt a balanced and easily digestible diet while avoiding spicy, greasy, raw, or cold foods. Smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided entirely.
- Regular screening is essential, as H. pylori can recur even after successful treatment. Annual gastroenterological check-ups, including endoscopy and H. pylori testing, are recommended for both the patient and close family members.
- Be vigilant for symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, belching, blood in vomit, or black stools, and seek immediate medical attention if they occur.

5. Clinical Insights
Helicobacter pylori infection is commonly transmitted via oral-oral or fecal-oral routes. Many individuals remain asymptomatic until complications arise, such as peptic ulcers or chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal lining. Typical symptoms may include abdominal pain, indigestion, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Early detection and timely treatment are crucial to preventing serious outcomes, including gastric cancer. As seen in this case, prompt medical intervention led to full recovery without progression to malignancy. However, long-term neglect of H. pylori infection could lead to irreversible cellular changes and increase the risk of cancer development. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment are strongly encouraged for anyone suspected of carrying the bacteria.